3/27/21

"Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner." (Luke 7:39)
The Pharisees were guardians of the teachings of God.
The last book of the Old testament is Malachi. Malachi was written right around 400 B. C. He was the last prophet that God sent to Israel.
So, for 400 years, there was no fresh Word from God. The Pharisees came into being in those years, and kept the teachings of God alive by educating the people of Israel of them. That was a really good thing.
But, over the course of the years, the Pharisees became powerful, wealthy, and self-righteous. By becoming a Pharisee, you gained connections that were advantageous in social life, and the business world.
The sect of the Pharisees ceased to be a religious organization, and became a fraternity of politicians and businessmen.
Jesus is dining with a Pharisee, named Simon. Jesus knows full well who He is sitting at the table with. Nothing is ever hidden from Jesus!
As they sat at the table, dining and conversing with each other, in walks a woman from off the streets. They were probably sitting on a portico just off the street of the city.
She is weeping. Sounds to me like she must be bawling! For she sheds enough tears to wash Jesus' feet with them. She is a broken soul, and deeply remorseful for her sin. I wish I knew how she came to know about Jesus. She certainly knew that He would welcome her, and not turn her away.
Simon the Pharisee is a blind man!
1) He didn't know who Jesus really was.
2) He didn't know that Jesus knew who he was.
3) He didn't know that Jesus knew who this woman was.
4) He didn't know that not only was this woman a sinner, but that he was a sinner as well.
5) And he didn't know what gratitude looked like.
Simon called this woman a sinner. He was certainly being condescending in his attitude toward her!
Let us not forget that, "All have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God." And "...there is none righteous, no, not one."
Self-righteous behavior will not win the lost to Jesus.
Never forget that You were lost in your sin, then Jesus found you, forgave you, and saved you.
From my heart to your heart.